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A Mode of Trust ...

Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Recording machines can be in particular modes. It may be in the mode of recording - then the machine listens. When you play back what you recorded, it is in another mode. The same applies to many things. Humans can be in a mode to work, or in a mode for leisure.

Mode of my life …

The image of “modes” comes from music. A string can make sound in different modes, the eigenmodes. There are deep mathematical reasons for that - we can calculate such modes by solving differential equations. But our main point here is: we can also act and lead our life as if we were in different modes. We can be receptive. We can be truthful. We can be full of faith. Or it can be different. There are different ways to act and to be - and we have a choice to put our decisions in to guide us to one or the other path.

Looking into the biblical book of the “Proverbs”, we come to a passage where the author speaks about the basic mode of our life. Let us listen to him:

1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success1 in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3, 1-12)

Trust and a straight path …

The author of these lines wants to encourage us to lead a life full of faith. It asks us to follow “steadfast love” and “bind it around our neck”.

Perhaps you need this encouragement today? I can say that it is very valuable to me - a huge treasure. Though, I struggle with the advice. Being in a difficult situation job-wise, it is not that easy to be full of love, where you basically find accusations and ignorance. I even start to love ignorance, since it is better than being accused of things you have not caused. And it is difficult to find the right decisions and the right steps.

How much do we need this encouragement. How much do we need him to tell us where we fail, and how to get onto a good path. How much do we need him to lead our hands, and first of all our thoughts, our emotions, our words! This all can only happen when we trust him, when we live in a mode of trust!

Yes, it is good to honor the Lord, he is full of goodness, where humans fail. And it is good that the Lord guides us and that he rebukes us where it is necessary. (Roland Potthast) ... more texts